MRI day

I'm sitting in the lobby right now while Joe is having his test done. We weren't sure if he was going to have it because the insurance denied it - a constant battle. Needless to say, the doctor's office prevailed and here we are. We won't find out the results until next week. Unless it comes back extremely bad (they find cancer has penetrated in his liver-and not just on the outside), then we go ahead with surgery. The doctor is optimistic he'll be able to perform the surgery. The surgery is scheduled for Monday, April 23rd. They have to wait 6 weeks after his last chemo treatment before they can operate. The toxins in his body have to flush out and he has to gain strength and weight before they can operate.

Thanks to all for the continuous support. There have been a lot of emotions around this whole ordeal. It's hard to believe its happening, hard to imagine what Joe will go through with such an extensive surgery, hard to believe a doctor can take that much out of someone's body, hard to believe there is such a thing as hot chemo, hard to believe we have so much support, love and prayers coming our way which is really helping us through all of this. We remain faithful, grateful, optimistic and in awe that if something like this had to happen, at least we have God and all of you to help us through it.

Joe will write an update before surgery and I'll continue to keep you updated as we learn more.

With all our thanks and love,
Sherrie, Joe and our beautiful family

One Step Closer

Big day today - we spent 3 hours at UofA Medical Center and came out feeling much better than when we went in. We met Dr. Ong and he was great - young, energetic, extremely intelligent, optimistic and great bedside manner. We had so much thrown at us that it took 3 hours to absorb it all. The doctor had patience with us. Basically where we stand now is the Dr. thinks Joe may be a great candidate for the Hot Chemo Surgery. We are going to proceed as if he will get the surgery, but he has a couple obstacles to overcome. They can't do a laporascopic look due to his previous surgery. The scar tissue (and cancer that has attached to it) is prohibiting any look inside. Therefore, Joe has to have a complete MRI of his abdominal region to try and figure out how much cancer he has and if any of the cancer has grown inside his organs (like his liver). The MRI is scheduled for March 31st and we'll get the results shortly after. The next phase will be during the surgery. If Joe passes the MRI, he will head into surgery either the week of April 16th or April 23rd. The next phase is during surgery. When the doctor opens him up and sees too much cancer to remove or cancer that has penetrated his organs (that can't be removed), he will cancel the surgery and close him up. Provided he passes those 2 phases the doctor will proceed with the surgery and the hot chemo.

We almost fell off our chairs when he told us all that is involved. He basically explained that the chemo Joe has been doing has stopped the progression of the cancer and killed some cells (they think). What it can't do is penetrate through the tumors. The tumors are "fused" and extremely hard. The chemo can't penetrate. The only way to remove them is with a knife. So with that, Dr. Ong explained he has to remove those areas that are covered with tumors. He will remove the appendix, gall bladder, right colon, terminal ilium (small bowel), omentum (stomach lining), rectum, part of his liver and spleen. He may have to remove part of his stomach as well. After removing all of that, he will be "re-plumbed" and they will proceed with the hot chemo. The doctor said "this is not the mother load of all surgeries, but it comes pretty darn close", so we're calling it the mother load. The surgery can last up to 36 hours, but he expects it to last somewhere around 18 hours. Joe will be in the hospital at least 14 days and it will take at least 6 months to recover. Joe will have a different lifestyle afterwards, but to what extent is unknown. We'll learn more as he passes each phase. In the meantime, you can watch this video which explains the hot chemo surgery (it doesn't take into account the removal of organs and reconstruction).

http://www.cancercenter.com/stomach-cancer/hipec.cfm

The other thing they discovered from the last 800 pictures they took, is the source looks like it is from the appendix, which is extremely rare.

The doctor has performed 45 of these surgeries. Folks come from all around the world to meet him and hopefully get chosen for this procedure. He was thrilled to have Joe as a patient since he is so young, strong and in great health - other than the cancer.

So with that, Joe and I were talking on the way back from Tucson that we feel our miracle has arrived thanks to all the prayers we've received. We really feel that God is listening to all of you and answering our prayers. No words can express our gratitude.

We love you all so much and please continue doing what you're doing. It's working!!

XOXOX
Sherrie, Joe and family

Slight change of plans

The Surgeon's office called and rescheduled Joe's appointment to Thursday. We are so disappointed, but at least it's only a one day delay. I'll post Thursday evening. Thanks again to everyone for prayers and encouragement.

XOXOX
Sherrie

Test Results

We got the test results back today and it wasn't exactly the news we were looking for. The cancer showed up in all the same spots - stomach, stomach lining, colon, appendix, intestine and liver. There is a new spot (about 1/2") on the liver so the doctor has ordered an MRI. We are still going to Tucson to meet the surgeon on Wednesday. Joe's doctor said the surgeon will determine if he wants more chemo, more tests, schedule surgery or something else. It's up to him now to determine what's next. He will then coordinate with Joe's doctor. Tough day - prayers needed. Joe is doing great through it all. I am amazed, but then again, I'm not. He's always been a positive guy with lots of optimism. I think the cards, notes and visitors keep him so upbeat as well. His friends from High School and College came last weekend - it was the best medicine for Joe. Lots of stories, lots of laughs and lots of love. Thank you all for your continued support. I'll post on Wednesday after the visit with the surgeon. The appt is in the afternoon, so I probably won't get to post until Wednesday evening.

XOXOX
Sherrie

Quick Update

Just to let everyone know that Joe had a test on Monday and has the rest on Friday. We get the results on Monday at 9:00 am. Until then, prayers welcome for positive results to get to the next phase. If the test results are good (which we know they will be!), we meet the surgeon in Tucson on Wednesday, 3/21 to find out about the surgery. The other good news is Joe gets an extra "chemo free" week since we will be going to Tucson on normal chemo week. His next treatment will start 3/26.

XOXO
Sherrie

p.s. Couple more pictures from the ball

The Ball

Last night was the Chandler Service Club Flower Girl Ball. Although Joe wasn't 100%, you would never know it. It was such a wonderful evening full of laughs and tears. Joe got to present Shelli, dance with me and our daughters and mingle with our friends. It was a great evening. The pictures are Joe and Amanda, Shelli and Amanda, Joe and Sherrie and Joe presenting Shelli.

Tomorrow is Joe's first test. He's nervous tonight and just trying to relax and get mentally and physically ready for the test. We're not sure when we'll get the results, but just pray they don't find anything.

I'll post as soon as we hear something.

XOXO
Sherrie

Round 5

Sorry it's been awhile since we updated the blog. It's been a rough week. Round 5, as expected, was worse than round 4. Each round brings the old side effects and adds new ones to our surprise. This week was a drop in blood pressure, dehydration, very active saliva glands and some other un-pleasantries. Joe ended up back in the center for 3 more hours of an IV of "good stuff" to boost him up. It definitely helped. He finally stopped vomiting this morning and hopefully is done for this round. He just keeps saying "I can't explain the feeling, but it's not good." Next week Joe starts a series of tests to determine if the Hot Chemo surgery is NOT a go. What that means is if they find numerous tumors, the surgery is off. If they don't find anything, it doesn't mean they aren't there, it just means they aren't showing up (like some of his original tests). The only way to truly know is to look. If he passes the first test, he will be scheduled to go to UofA. They will perform a laparoscopic "look" with a camera to see what they can. If they see lots of tumors, it's a no go. If not, they open him up as if he will be having the surgery. If they open him up and see lots of tumors, they close him, he heals and comes home. If they don't see many (enough that they can remove safely), they proceed with the surgery. So we have 3 main hurdles. If they can't perform the surgery, we come back and the Dr.'s will discuss his next options. No sense in speculating...just keep praying for the surgery. You are a powerful group and can help us get to surgery!

Until then, we have so much to look forward to. This weekend is Shelli's Chandler Service Club Ball. It's a formal event and Joe will be presenting Shelli at the ball. We will all waltz together in our formal gowns and tuxedos. I will definitely post pictures for everyone.

After that, our friends from College and High School are coming to town. We're planning a fun taco feast and lots of reminiscing. After that we'll be celebrating Easter with family and friends and then our Niece's wedding and then Shelli's High School Graduation and Amanda's graduation for her master's degree. After that we will celebrate Joe's successful surgery!!

Thanks for the continued thoughts, prayers and messages.

It means the world to us and is helping in so many ways.

XOXO
Sherrie